Is there any long 4 into 1 headers for 97-03 Dakota 5.9 out there?

You might give John Mercedes a try at Southeast performance a call. He had S&S manufacture a run for him.
They fit really well, but are difficult to install.

SE Performance

i ran hooker supercomp's on my shelby dakota. easy fit, just had to drop the starter to get the drivers side in.

I have the hooker full length on my 91 dakota sport. I just wish hooker would make them in sizes bigger than 1-5/8 tube. I wonder how much different there is between the engine compartments from the first gen to the second gen dakota

Technically, the 91 is the 2nd gen Dakota. The 88-90 have a straight front bumper because a V6 was the only option. 91-96 is the 2nd gen, the front bumper curves outward in the center to give more clearance for the V8 option. The 97-03 (?) is the 3rd gen. Can't tell you if there was more side space between the motor & the frame, but the wheel track is 2" wider on the 97 and newer.

The 3rd gen trucks are packaged much tighter than what few earlier ones I've seen
To install the long tubes require both motor mounts to be removed so you can slightly tilt the engine. Also the steering shaft mus be unhooked from the rack.
The biggest PITA is that the DS set blocks the starter and the trans band adjustment bolt.
They also must be installed from underneath, so the truck must be jacked really high. Sadly I lost the install pics I took

MP had some for the R/T Dakota's when they were new but probably hard to find now.......

THANKS A990 !!

I called and they partnered with TTI to make 1 3/4 long tubes for Dakota and Durango 2-wheel drives. Says they used a 99 R/T as a platform, and these came out perfect. There is a write up at www.facebook.com/southeastrt

Some more details:

These are equal length with 4-2-1 collectors that are slip fit
The PS has a slip fit tube, I have considered using a sleeve clamp here to guarantee no leaks
If I were to do it again, I would buy them uncoated, work out your install method to identify ways to minimize scratching up the coating
At this step you may want to heat the tubes to gain socket clearance on the header bolts
Your truck will demand increased amount of blood to get this project completed.
Enjoy your new found curse words.

The MP R/T headers were mid-length. I think they were the Spin-Tech brand.
There also were shorty headers called Stan's

If you have questions, feel free to ask

I asked about the past headers and their slip fits. That's history, these were an entirely new design and custom built on a 99 Dakota R/T. Nothing of the older prior headers was used to make these. The owner that loaned his R/T for the build says all is a perfect fit and no issues. I think we can forget the first S&S headers, dead and gone. Here some pics.

Looks nice. You have a pic of the driver side set?

I'm on the list for a set on my 97. You can see they made an entirely different header than the first released back at S&S you mention. They said a list of problem areas from the first headers was sent during the build and to clear those up. I.E. no slip fits. I think these are going to be a good thing, and long tube installs were never a fun deal. But It's what you get when your done that matters. More pictures are at Dakota-Durango and www.facebook.com/southeastrt

How long is the wait?

I found after pics that shows how you will need to change filters. You can't drop the filter out the bottom.
Looking at your picture 3, the steering shaft boot may get melted being so close to the tube. I wish I would have put a clearance dimple there

Something different on your pic. That's a solid header flange and pipes look a lot bigger. The headers being released different at flange and other.

Results: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...ZlpkeG96MF9GbjE4Y2FjRUs4cWlRcXZndTdNUGJR

Pic's

Those look purdy, When are going to install them?

Walking a fine line right now, will have to hold off a few weeks. Leaving town for anniversary so have to dedicate the time other places.

Wow those look nice. Wish they made a set of them that would fit my 91 sport

Has anyone ever checked the differences of the 91 to a 97? Engines measure same so it's about the engine compartment, steering, frame and trans differences it would seem.